Man fined for allowing police to pass

Pulling over and allowing the police through cost a van driver over £500.

A van driver has paid over £500 after he pulled over to let police through. Daniel Wiggins spotted five police motorcyclists flashing the blues-and-twos and moved over into a bus lane, stopping at a bus stop temporarily. Weeks later, he received a fine of £500.

Daniel Wiggins is one of an increasing number of drivers penalised for inadvertently pulling into restricted bus lanes.

Kingston Council provided CCTV images, which clearly showed Wiggins crossing the solid white line into the bus lane. However the photos also clearly show the reason for Wiggins’ contravention.

Unfortunately, Wiggins never received the photos as he was no longer living at the address to which the letter was issued.

As a result of the miscommunication, the painter and decorator’s van was clamped. To add insult to injury, Wiggins was forced to pay the fine to bailiffs to avoid having his van – his livelihood – towed away. The total of £512 came out of Wiggins’ holiday savings. Wiggins’ exclaimed, “What was I supposed to do? Not let the police through? It’s all a complete joke.”

Initially, Kingston Council refused to allow Wiggins to appeal, declaring it was too late to do so. The council has since reviewed its decision and refunded Wiggins’ money in full.

There is growing concern that motorists are topping up council deficits, as reports emerge that revenues collected by cameras in bus lanes and box junctions amount to £135 million, up 20 per cent since 2013. Parking fines have seen an 11 per cent increase in the last two years, sparking outcry from the Alliance of British Drivers.

Some drivers argue that Wiggins should never have crossed the line and should have allowed police to go around him. What do you think? Have you ever been in a similar situation? Comment below, or let us know on Twitter @RecombuCars